InfoDefensa (UNCONFIRMED): Chile is negotiating the purchase of four CP-140M Aurora maritime patrol aircraft from Canada
Noah Note
A short one for today. Our great friends at InfoDefensa are reporting today that the Chilean government is currently spearheading negotiations for the acquisition of four CP140M to bolster the Armada de Chile Aviación Naval branch. As always, we really recommend supporting our Sister publication like InfoDefensa by viewing their reporting directly.
The reports go into detail about how this proposal would look:
According to La Liga Defensa Chile, the proposal from the North American country includes two CP-140M Aurora aircraft that would arrive at the Concón naval air base as al temporary solution and would later be cannibalized once the other two aircraft are integrated after completing a depot maintenance in Canada.
As of our reporting at this time, we have been unable to confirm that this is the case. We are awaiting reponses from the DND regarding this, amd will update when a response is given. At this time we should consider this as rumor only, and not a serious proposal. I have yet to hesr about it myself.
HOWEVER… I would not be surprised to see this. As the report points out, Chile has a longstanding history of collaboration with Canada in the naval domain, including through the P3/CP140 platform. IMP had previously done the upgrade work on the Chilean P3 fleet as part of the Albatros IV program.
Canada has had interest in expanding collaboration with South America in areas of trade, defence and critical minerals for a while now, something that the Carney government has set harder in motion since last year. That includes ongoing Free Trade discussions with the Mercosur trade bloc.
Chile has been one of Canada’s major partners in the region. That includes delivery a few years ago of surplus LAV III (technically nzlav but who's asking), the use of CMS330 by the Chilean Navy, and Vard Marines involvement as the design firm behind both the Almirante Viel Icebreaker and in the Chilean Escotillón IV program.
Basically, we have a gar more extensive history and connection to each other than many acknowledge or even know about. This would be merely another step in supporting a close regional ally as we transition into the CP8 era. I am happy to see the Aurora, even a few, find a potential new life supporting allies elsewhere.
Keep in mind that even two CP140 represents a doubling of the current P3 fleet. That is a significant increase in capability, along with having two additional airframes for spare parts, something hitting all P3-users right now, whoevers left at least.
Basically, I welcome this sort of thing. Supporting smaller allies is good, and creates ongoing threads and pathways to future Canadian work supporting those capabilities. Feels like wins to me.